Charriol

During a visit to the British Museum, Genevan Phillippe Charriol was riveted by the exquisite examples of Iron Age Celtic metalwork produced by the Snetisham Torque and became enthralled in paying homage to the legacy. The now globally patented and recognized 'twisted cable' is considered to be the brand's hallmark and is employed in a multitude of applications, timepieces, jewelry, writing instruments, eyewear and leather goods. The Swiss Made timepieces are all hand-assembled in the birthplace of horology, the art of making timepieces – Geneva, Switzerland. Since 1983, the French entrepreneur has crafted each watch or jewelry item with artistry and meaning – a mood/attitude rendered into the motto: L'Art de Vivre la Difference - The Art of Living Differently. Affirming a lifestyle. Being true to one's desires. Enjoying all that life has to offer. Appreciating the finer things in life...wearing Charriol.

The company began a relationship with A'lor in 1992, allowing them to sell jewelry under the Charriol brand. In May 2013, Phillip Charriol International Ltd., or PCI, filed a lawsuit against A'lor in California federal court. PCI alleges that A'lor, a San Diego based company, is culpable of trademark infringement. They claim A'lor proceeded to sell Charriol “knock-off jewelry” in Australia and traded upon the “fame, goodwill, name and reputation” of the Charriol brand in an effort to strengthen its own name and brand around the world.

A'lor denied the claims in July of 2013, stating that it first publicly displayed it nautical cable motif jewelry in the early 1980's, “prior to any other person or entity doing so”. As the lawsuit ensues, A'lor is making efforts to re-brand, saying it was, “making a bold decision in 2014, returning to it roots” by reverting to it's parent company brand name.

On April 10, 2014, the United States District Court for the Southern District of California ruled that A'lor is barred from infringing Charriol cable trademarks by selling A'lor jewelry that uses such cable. A'lor is similarly barred from using Charriol trademarks, including cable, distributing or selling products with the cable design, advertising that A'lor was or is being 'rebranded' or merged with Charriol, and other similar commercial activities.